Thomas Design, one of the longest established design and marketing agencies in South Wales, has scooped the Wales Region Rising Star award in this year’s National Family Business Awards.

The awards, which took place on 15 July 2017 in London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, recognisedover 350 family business leaders and entrepreneurs – celebrating the achievements of Britain’s finest family-run businesses.

The Rising Star award was received by Josh Thomas, the son of Thomas Design’s founder and managing director, Damian Thomas. Josh came runner up in 2016’s National Family Business Awards (formally known as the Red Ribbon Awards).

Josh Thomas, 18, has worked for Thomas Design since leaving comprehensive school in 2016. His rapid progression within the company has led him to become a client-facing website developer. Due to Josh’s keen interest in business and entrepreneurship at a young age, as well as his drive and ambitious attitude toward solving business problems, Joshfocused all of his time and efforts on enhancing his skillset in order to prove to his father what he was capable of.

Since working with the company, Josh has designed websites for a range of the company’s clients. As well as this achievement, Josh is also heavily involved in client facing roles; conducting frequent training sessions for clients to be able to use and maintain their new website.

“I’m extremely proud of Josh for winning the Rising Star award at the National Family Business Awards 2017. His drive, dedication and ambition for what he does has certainly paid off.”

Josh Thomas described how he felt to have received this award:

“I’m really pleased to have won this award. I have so much passion for what I do, so it’s a great feeling to be recognised for it.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me at Thomas Design, as well as what I can bring to the table in the upcoming months.”

Anita Brightley-Hodges, managing director of Family Business Place says:

“Family businesses are the shining stars of the British economy and the beating heart of our local communities, employing 1 in 3 people. Despite their incredible contribution, they are often modest and shy about publicising their achievements and so we founded The National Family Business Awards to celebrate them. This year’s winners all excel in their field and are true beacons of British commerce.”